Viral ads have become one of the most sought-after forms of marketing for many companies and brands. When an ad goes viral, it has the ability to attract the attention of millions of people in a very short period of time. But what exactly makes an ad go viral? What is the secret behind its success?
Viral ads refer to ads that spread rapidly and widely through various social media platforms, both through organic reach and content sharing triggered by users. Their success does not only rely on how many people see them, but also on how many people share the ad with their friends or followers.
Viral ads have a powerful appeal, whether through emotions, humor, or their relevance to trending issues in society. So why are these types of ads important?
Viral ads can have an extraordinary impact on brand awareness, engagement, and even product or service sales. When an ad becomes viral, the brand involved can gain global exposure in a short amount of time. Additionally, viral content helps to build stronger relationships with audiences, create positive buzz, and increase customer loyalty. In fact, the impact of viral ads can far exceed that of traditional ads, which have more limited reach and scope.
Source: City Vision
Virality in marketing and social media refers to the ability of content to spread quickly and widely through social media and other platforms. Viral content can include videos, images, memes, or articles that gain significant attention and are shared by many people. The key to virality is that the content attracts a broader audience than initially expected, often without a large advertising budget.
Ads go viral because they contain elements that trigger emotions and grab people's attention. Psychological factors like curiosity, surprise, humor, or relatability to personal experiences can prompt people to share the content. Moreover, current trends or hot issues often serve as the main drivers of virality. Ads that successfully tap into these factors can create a massive wave in a short time.
Viral ads have certain characteristics that distinguish them from regular ads. Some key elements that can make an ad go viral include:
Emotion plays a crucial role in creating viral ads. Emotions like humor, surprise, or even sentimentality can trigger a strong desire for audiences to share the content.
Ads that are relevant to the target audience and current issues have a higher chance of going viral. When an ad touches on a trending topic or relates to the audience’s everyday experiences, it is more likely to be accepted and shared.
Unique and different ads have an inherent appeal. Creativity and unconventional approaches can capture the attention of more people.
The format of the ad plays a critical role in increasing its virality. Short videos, GIFs, or memes are more likely to be shared compared to long text-based ads. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) greatly influence how content is shared and spreads.
Source: City Vision
Here are some strategies to create effective viral ads that you can practice one by one:
Before creating a viral ad, it's essential to understand your target audience. Every audience has different preferences, habits, and responses to specific content. Knowing who your audience is and what they care about will help create more targeted and potentially viral ads.
Storytelling is one of the most effective techniques in advertising. By telling a story, the ad becomes more memorable and impactful. A compelling story can create an emotional connection with the audience and make the message more relatable. A great example is Google’s Year in Search campaign, which tells inspiring and emotional stories based on global search trends.
Not all social media platforms are suited for every type of ad. It's crucial to choose the platform that aligns with your target audience. For example, TikTok is great for creative short videos, while Instagram is better for visually engaging and aesthetic content.
Collaborating with influencers or content creators who have large and engaged audiences can help accelerate the spread of your ad. Influencers have a significant impact on purchasing decisions and can help your ad go viral faster.
Viral ads are not a coincidence; they result from a deep understanding of the audience and the psychological elements that drive people to share. By using the right strategies, creating emotional, relevant, and unique content, and leveraging collaborations with influencers, you can create ads with the potential to go viral.
If you want to make your ad go viral, City Vision is here to help! With experience in creating creative and effective ad campaigns, City Vision’s team of experts understands audiences and market trends. They can help your brand generate ads with high viral potential.
City Vision offers a range of services, from market research and creative concept development to video production for various platforms. These services will help you design ads that are targeted and have a high chance of going viral. Contact City Vision today!
